Veteran Indian star Ravindra Jadeja is set for a return to Sri Lankan soil for the two-match series against the hosts. The 37-year-old had previously played Tests in this part of the world in 2017, where he claimed 13 wickets from two matches, including a fifer at the Sinhalese Sports Club, the venue of the second Test.

Jadeja also scored 85 runs in the last tour with a best of 70 not out. 

Former player Deep Dasgupta said that the Rajasthan Royals star will play a key role during the tour and will be expected to pass on his knowledge to younger players. The left-arm spinner has become the bowling spearhead in the spin department along with Kuldeep Yadav after Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement in late 2024. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 49-year-old former India wicketkeeper batter said, “If we speak about experience, this is the first series for many players on Sri Lankan soil.

Jadeja has played here before, and on spin-friendly conditions, it is not easy to come and take a wicket. Instead, you have to vary your lines as well as pace and lengths to excel.”

“Ravindra Jadeja knows how to use his experience as he has played here before and on similar pitches. He needs to share his experiences and pass them on to the younger members of the side.” The veteran player has been part of 89 Tests so far and has taken 348 wickets.

He is currently the fifth-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket and needs two wickets to reach the 350-mark. 

Ex-India star pleased with Gautam Gambhir’s decision to arrive early 

Shubman Gill‘s side has already started their practice for the series against Sri Lanka. The team will also play a three-day game against Sri Lanka XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club ground starting Friday.

Dasgupta was happy with the team management’s decision to arrive early for the tour. The former India cricket player also urged coach Gautam Gambhir to help the batters in tackling spin bowling. 

“Gautam himself was a good player of spin. If we look at the last 10 to 15 years or even this century, he had been one of the better players of spin. It will be a great chance to spend some time with the players, and Gambhir can share his own experiences with the players, and he must enjoy it.

I would call it a preparation camp rather than practice, which is what you want as a coach. Really happy that the team has gone early to Lanka, which gives them time to prepare for the series.”